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Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent that led to the revolt of 1857?
1. Economic exploitation by the Britishers
2. Destruction of the traditional economic fabric
3. Land revenue policies
4. The disappearance of Indian states
5. Activities of Christian missionaries
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  • a)
    1, 2  and 3 only
  • b)
    3, 4 and 5 only
  • c)
    1, 2, 4 and 5 only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent tha...
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Supplementary notes:
Revolt of 1857
  • It was a product of the accumulated grievances of the people against the Company’s administration and of their dislike for the foreign regime. For over a century before 1857, the British had been conquering the country bit by bit, popular discontent and hatred against foreign rule had been gaining strength among the different sections of Indian society. It was this discontent that burst forth into a mighty popular revolt.
  • The most important cause of the popular discontent was the economic exploitation of the country by the British and the complete destruction of its traditional economic fabric; both impoverished the vast mass of peasants, artisans, and handicraftsmen as also a large number of traditional zamindars and chiefs.
  • A large number of peasant proprietors lost their lands to traders and money-lenders and found themselves hopelessly involved in debt because of the British land revenue policies and the systems of law and administration.
  • Indian rulers who had been patrons of arts and literature and had supported religious preachers and divines were displaced by the East India company. This caused impoverishment of those who depended on patronage, for e.g. Pandits and Maulvis.
  • Various activities of the Christian missionaries especially conversion created fear among ordinary people as it endangered their religion.
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Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent tha...
The revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant event in Indian history that marked the beginning of the end of British colonial rule. The popular discontent that led to the revolt can be attributed to several reasons, as mentioned in the options given. Let us discuss each of these reasons in detail:

1. Economic exploitation by the Britishers:
- The British colonial rule in India was characterized by economic exploitation. The British extracted huge amounts of wealth from India through heavy taxation, trade policies, and the drain of wealth. This exploitation led to economic hardships for the Indian population, particularly the peasants and artisans.

2. Destruction of the traditional economic fabric:
- The British policies and practices disrupted the traditional economic system of India. Industries like textiles, which were the backbone of the Indian economy, were severely affected by the influx of cheap British goods.
- The introduction of the railways and modern technology also resulted in the displacement of traditional artisans and craftsmen, causing widespread unemployment and discontent.

3. Land revenue policies:
- The British introduced a new land revenue system that imposed heavy taxes on Indian peasants. The system, known as the Zamindari system, led to the impoverishment of peasants and increased their dependence on moneylenders.
- The introduction of the Permanent Settlement in some regions further worsened the situation, as it fixed high land revenue demands regardless of the productivity of the land.

4. The disappearance of Indian states:
- The British policy of annexation and the doctrine of lapse resulted in the disappearance of several Indian states. The annexation of Indian territories not only led to the loss of power and prestige for the Indian rulers but also threatened the socio-economic structure of the local populations.

5. Activities of Christian missionaries:
- The activities of Christian missionaries, particularly their attempts at religious conversion, were resented by a section of the Indian population. The conversion efforts were seen as a threat to Indian culture and traditions, leading to religious tensions and discontent.

In conclusion, all the options mentioned in the question - economic exploitation, destruction of the traditional economic fabric, land revenue policies, the disappearance of Indian states, and activities of Christian missionaries - were significant reasons for the popular discontent that culminated in the revolt of 1857. These grievances, along with other political, social, and religious factors, contributed to the widespread rebellion against British colonial rule in India.
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Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent that led to the revolt of 1857?1. Economic exploitation by the Britishers2. Destruction of the traditional economic fabric3. Land revenue policies4. The disappearance of Indian states5. Activities of Christian missionariesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)3, 4 and 5 onlyc)1, 2, 4 and 5 onlyd)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent that led to the revolt of 1857?1. Economic exploitation by the Britishers2. Destruction of the traditional economic fabric3. Land revenue policies4. The disappearance of Indian states5. Activities of Christian missionariesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)3, 4 and 5 onlyc)1, 2, 4 and 5 onlyd)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent that led to the revolt of 1857?1. Economic exploitation by the Britishers2. Destruction of the traditional economic fabric3. Land revenue policies4. The disappearance of Indian states5. Activities of Christian missionariesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)3, 4 and 5 onlyc)1, 2, 4 and 5 onlyd)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following were the reasons for the popular discontent that led to the revolt of 1857?1. Economic exploitation by the Britishers2. Destruction of the traditional economic fabric3. Land revenue policies4. The disappearance of Indian states5. Activities of Christian missionariesSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1, 2 and 3 onlyb)3, 4 and 5 onlyc)1, 2, 4 and 5 onlyd)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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